Christin Khan is currently flying for the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center right whale aerial survey team based out of Woods Hole, Massachusetts. She has previously led right whale aerial surveys with Wildlife Trust and the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. Christin completed her Master of Science in Biology at San Francisco State University with research on vocal development in harbor seals; her work was published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

{Event} Truro Vineyard’s support for whales no fluke

SUSAN BLOOD PHOTO

"WINE AND WHALES is the name of a celebration May 21 of Truro Vineyard’s new Right White and Right Red wines, with proceeds benefiting the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies.

"The grape vines at Truro Vineyards are at “bud break,” which means that more than half have popped. You have to look closely for signs of life, but it's definitely there and getting more vibrant every day. After bud break, the vines change quickly. Soon the vineyard will be covered in green shoots, just in time for Truro Vineyard's Wine and Whales celebration on May 21.

If you've never been to Truro Vineyards, this is a perfect time to be introduced. A restored 1830s farmhouse sits on gracious lawns amid sprawling rows of vines. It's another world, from another era – a mere 3,561 miles from the Loire Valley. It's no wonder couples hold their weddings there.

At the Wine and Whales event, Truro Vineyards is launching two new wines, Right White and Right Red. They're using the debut as an opportunity to benefit the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. The afternoon will include complimentary wine from Truro Vineyard, hors d'oeuvres from Blackfish and music by Kami Lyle. There will also be a raffle and auction, all to benefit PCCS.

This year Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies celebrates 35 years of research and education. Over the last year, PCCS researchers spent hundreds of hours in the field studying right whales that visit the cool waters of Cape Cod Bay. According to PCCS, the right whale population in the North Atlantic is approximately 470. Right whales are protected, but they still suffer heavy losses from entanglements and ship strikes. Next week's event includes presentations by the Center's researchers.

Soon traffic will clog the route to Truro, but in May the roads are easily traveled. While it may seem like the end of the earth, Truro is closer than the Loire Valley and absolutely worth the drive. According to their website, Truro Vineyards “pioneered the art of maritime grape growing on the Cape...Our vinifera vineyard produces wine with intense flavor and lush varietal character.” When you see the vineyard, you'll agree it's not just the wine that has varietal character.

Wine and Whales will be held Saturday, May 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Truro Vineyards in North Truro. All proceeds support Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. Admission is $15 for PCCS members and $20 non-members. Tickets are available at the event or on-line at www.coastalstudies.org"